Veterans reach Land’s End in Cornwall after marching 925 miles

Twenty-eight Royal Marine veterans have marched 925 miles (1,490km) from John O’Groats to Lands End in Cornwall for charity.

They set off on the eight-day long speed march on 31 October and arrived at their destination on Saturday.

The challenge has raised thousands of pounds for a number of charities including Combat Stress, the Royal Marines Charity, Papyrus, Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research, organisers said. The final figure has yet to be confirmed.

Organiser Mark Gordon said: “We’ve recaptured this magic of bond in service life, especially Royal Marine commando life. Already, people are asking what’s the next one.”

Each runner in the Bootneck Yomp carried 20lb (9kg) and completed at least a marathon a day for the challenge.

Mr Gordon previously said the challenge not only aimed to raise money for charity, but demonstrated the value of the armed forces veteran community.

He said: “During the intense training, organisation and planning over the past months, we’ve rediscovered shared bonds and it’s really made a positive difference to us all.

“As a team where the average age is 49, we’re keen on proving that it’s still a state of mind.”

Penzance firefighter and former Royal Marine Adam Harvey took part in the challenge.

He said: “It’s a massive achievement, I feel proud.

“The feeling of being back with a group of ex-Royal Marines is really special.”